Air Ducts & Why Cleaning Them Needs to be a Priority
Keeping an environment clean means not just tending to dust, dirt and other particulate matter on the surface; it also means taking care to clean the air and keep it clean. We may often forget that keeping the air clean is well within our control and that we should take the necessary steps.
Most often, most office spaces and other living environments have air ducts for heating and cooling that often get clogged up with dirt, dust, and other grime. Now there are some things homeowners can do to prevent dust build up in the air ducts, and usually, that involves regular changing of air filters.
Beyond low-level maintenance, homeowners often have to turn to HVAC professionals for air duct cleaning services, because they require special tools and the work can be somewhat grueling. There are many questions you may have, but here’s a look a few reasons why air duct cleaning is important and how to go about getting it done.
Cleaning Air Ducts for Your Health
The simple truth is that even in a best case scenario, air ducts will become dirty over time. In fact, certain factors will need more regular cleanings since dirt and dust accumulate more quickly if you have pets, if there are smokers in the home, if there’s been any water damage to the HVAC system in the home, or if there have been any home renovation or remodeling projects.
Considering some inhabitants may be sensitive to airborne allergens or have asthma, they will be more impacted by air duct systems since there are more contaminants in the air.
In some cases, the amount of indoor air pollution could exceed that of the outdoors. Since many people spend the majority of their day inside at home, this means that you could be experiencing a wide variety of health problems, all because of dirty air ducts.
Dirty air ducts can exacerbate symptoms of people afflicted with allergies and asthma, but they can also contribute to respiratory infections. Viruses, fungi, and bacteria can also be spread through air ducts, and as a result, you might get sick with respiratory infections more frequently.
Cleaning Air Ducts for Better Energy Efficiency
Just like how regular oil changes are important to keep our cars running, regular cleaning and maintenance of air ducts will keep them running longer and more efficiently over time.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on average 45% of energy costs are dedicated to heating and cooling homes. Of that 45%, the Department of Energy also estimates that 20% of energy is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.
When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.
Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It? How Much Does It Cost?
In cases where there is some sort of water or mold contamination, The EPA recommends cleaning air ducts is critical for the health of those in the household. And in homes where there is a coal or wood burning stove to heat the home, this is also a situation where you would want to keep the indoor air free of hydrocarbons and other airborne soot.
If you home has never had its air ducts cleaned, then it may be time to consider having it done. Alternatively, if you or others in your home are frequently experiencing allergy caused symptoms or you want to save a little more on your energy bills, cleaning air ducts will definitely be worth it.
The cost of getting your air ducts cleaned can vary depending on the services offered, the company you choose to hire, the size of the HVAC system to clean, the system’s accessibility, and the overall level of contamination. Having said that, the cost to clean an air duct system is usually somewhere between $350 to $1000.
If you think it’s time to have your air ducts cleaned, we at Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration are happy to talk with you and examine your air ducts to see how we can help. Our trained and experienced air duct cleaners will assess the situation and determine if dirty air ducts are affecting your home’s air quality. They’ll then thoroughly clean them and remove all contaminants, so the air in your home will be clean once again.
